AuthorTopic: 85' Harbour Tug (Read 10409 times)

Out of some sort of insanity or indigestion I decided I wanted to build this boat. I normally work in 1:16 and the plans were 1:24 and gave a finished boat of around 42" so I thought why not, I can make them bigger.After I asked around (mainly on here) I set to work to get them done.I did not figure on how big things would get and I have a very limited work space.

The plans worked out to be just a bit shorter than my empty space on my counter.

The original deck plans . Note the 305 mm ruler on the plans.

The original keel and bulkhead plans

The new and extremely large main deck plan. Note the same 305 mm ruler in about the same position.The length is now just on 61" or "Sorry Dear, I'll move it"Now I just need to source materials for the decks. I already have an abundance of 2.5 mm oak boards to build the keel and the bulkheads from and when it comes time for the superstructure that will all be from oak as well. Not sure if this was a good idea but if I only build one large vessel it might as well be this one.I am hoping it ends up looking a lot like this one.

Well, apart from the cold wind tearing through my yard it has been a beautiful day. Once I got my chores done I decided to dust off the beast and start working on it again.Started correcting the shape of the ribs, when I enlarged the plans I got a few "errors" that needed fixing. I have nearly got one side done and then I will make templates from there and work on the other side to make sure it is all even. I will have to glue another layer of ply over the deck to correct the mistakes there too.She is coming along, slowly.

I have been very slow on this one, I have spent the last year or so being a good Dad and Granddad. My daughter was finishing college and getting sorted out in her career so I got to babysit the wee one for her. Turns out they can be kind of cute when you get to know them.I only had to alter 2 of the ribs, one needed nearly an inch shaved off the outside.I am picking up some cedar to rip into planking for the first layer, then a coat of glass and then planking with some nice oak I have laying around.Once I get it watertight I am will be looking forward to seeing how much ballast this monster will need.

Hi I'm new here. Just saw your post on your new tug.That'll keep you busy for a while!My question today id regarding the 'Lady Lou'.I like it!Could you tell me more about it? Is it a kit or scratch-built?Thanks for any help... Hugh

Hi Hugh, welcome to the forum.The Lady Lou is based on the Thames River tug Plaudit but I freestyled the superstructure. She is scratch built from a set of plans I happen to have in front of me on my desk here.